"}],"show_article_image":false,"card_image":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2026\/06\/june-release-thumbnail.png","wide_image":false,"short_description":"ArcGIS StoryMaps introduces document to story conversion, enhanced alternative text capabilities, new chart and infographic options, and more.","flexible_content":[{"acf_fc_layout":"content","content":"- \n
- Document to story conversion<\/a><\/li>\n
- Enhanced alternative text capability<\/a><\/li>\n
- Expanded data visualization<\/a><\/li>\n
- Flexible panel sizes in frames<\/a><\/li>\n
- Maps in collections<\/a><\/li>\n
- Organization settings updates<\/a><\/li>\n
- Create from ArcGIS content page updates<\/a><\/li>\n
- And more…<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"content","content":"
Document to story conversion<\/h2>\n
Inspired by the many organizations seeking to transform their reports \u2014 from annual summaries to impact narratives<\/a> \u2014 into geospatial stories from a PDF or DOCX, we’re excited to introduce the ability to convert a document into a story.<\/p>\n
To start, click + Create<\/strong> from the StoryMaps content page, then select Import Document<\/strong>. After the conversion process, your document content will appear in the builder, with its basic structure \u2014 such as headings, paragraphs, lists, and images \u2014 carried over into your story.<\/p>\n
While this feature can streamline the document-to-story workflow by reducing the need to manually transfer content, it\u2019s important to note that you will likely need to refine the resulting draft to align with geospatial storytelling best practices, such as thoughtfully integrating maps, media, and narrative for a cohesive reader experience.<\/em><\/p>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"kaltura","video_id":"1_1a4a517w","time":false,"start":0},{"acf_fc_layout":"content","content":"
Learn how pacing, structure, and intentional design choices create harmonious reading experiences in the March 2026 | Finding your rhythm<\/a> issue of StoryScape\u2120.<\/p>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/arcgis-blog\/app\/uploads\/2025\/05\/agsmblogbutton.png\")
<\/a><\/p>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"content","content":"Enhanced alternative text capability<\/h2>\n
In July 2025, we introduced four capabilities to the ArcGIS StoryMaps assistant<\/a> to act as collaborators in your geospatial storytelling \u2014 and we’ve continued to enhance these assistants over the past year.<\/p>\n
This month, we\u2019re enhancing the capability to suggest alternative text to support web maps and scenes, apps, and embeds. Previously, alternative text for these items had to be written manually; now, the assistant can generate suggestions based on available information.<\/p>\n
For web maps, scenes, and apps, the assistant currently generates suggestions based on the item details and metadata. For embeds, suggestions are based on the page metadata.<\/p>\n
As a general best practice, providing complete item details helps others find, understand, and use your ArcGIS content. Consider this expanded feature as a helpful reminder to keep those details up to date.<\/em><\/p>\n
To use the capability, click Options<\/strong>, then select Suggest<\/strong> until the alternative text meets your needs. You can also refine the generated text manually as needed.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"kaltura","video_id":"1_izakxdrj","time":false,"start":0},{"acf_fc_layout":"content","content":"
Learn more about the Foundations of accessible storytelling with maps<\/a> in our tutorial series.<\/p>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"content","content":"Expanded data visualization<\/h2>\n
When intentionally integrated into a geospatial narrative, data visualization can enhance the clarity and impact of your story \u2014 while also creating moments of pause and reflection for your readers among longer sections of text. To this point, we\u2019re happy to add new options for visualizing your information.<\/p>\n
Area chart<\/h3>\n
Useful for highlighting change over time while adding depth and emphasis to your data, Area chart<\/strong> is now available from the Chart<\/strong> block.<\/p>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"kaltura","video_id":"1_j9k2ggd1","time":false,"start":0},{"acf_fc_layout":"content","content":"
Pictograph<\/h3>\n
Effective for making data more tangible through recognizable visual symbols, Pictograph<\/strong> is now available from the Infographic<\/strong> block.<\/p>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"kaltura","video_id":"1_dbgq36r5","time":false,"start":0},{"acf_fc_layout":"content","content":"
Check out our blog on Using charts, infographics, and tables effectively in ArcGIS StoryMaps<\/a>.<\/p>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"content","content":"Flexible panel sizes in frames<\/h2>\n
Balance text and visuals. Improve readability on mobile devices. Create more intentional layouts. Frames<\/a> \u2014 a new format for mobile-first, short-form storytelling in ArcGIS StoryMaps \u2014 now features flexible panel sizes, giving you more control over how your content is presented.<\/p>\n
In the frame builder, Change panel size<\/strong> by clicking and dragging the divider between panels.<\/p>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"kaltura","video_id":"1_o79o4est","time":false,"start":0},{"acf_fc_layout":"content","content":"
Frames recently came out of beta, and we would love to hear what you think \u2014 share your feedback at ArcGIS StoryMaps Frames Feedback<\/a>.<\/p>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"content","content":"Maps in collections<\/h2>\n
Collections in ArcGIS StoryMaps provide a flexible way to organize and share groups of related content \u2014 from a series of stories or themed resources to a portfolio of your work. And as geospatial storytellers, it’s only natural that we have web maps, scenes, and express maps to share. Now, you can add these item types directly to your collections.<\/p>\n
In the collection builder, click Add to collection<\/strong>, then select Map<\/strong> to choose items from your ArcGIS content, your organization or public content, or ArcGIS Living Atlas of the World content. You can also select Create express map<\/strong> to build one directly within the collection.<\/p>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"kaltura","video_id":"1_tlc14x50","time":false,"start":0},{"acf_fc_layout":"content","content":"
Start your first ArcGIS StoryMaps collection<\/a> with this blog sharing best practices and inspiration for curating a navigable ecosystem of content.<\/p>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"content","content":"Organization settings updates<\/h2>\n
Content page<\/h3>\n
In response to specific community feedback, organization administrators can now toggle Manage content through ArcGIS StoryMaps<\/strong> on or off.<\/p>\n
When enabled in Organization settings<\/strong>, users have access to the StoryMaps content page<\/strong>, where they can create ArcGIS StoryMaps content and take advantage of features available in that experience, such as the item checker.<\/p>\n
When disabled, users are directed solely to their ArcGIS content page<\/strong> \u2014 an experience our community has indicated may better support casual or new users. With this setting, the user profile menu will adjust accordingly (and include the item checker).<\/p>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"content","content":"
URL parameter<\/h3>\n
When an organization has multiple accounts, it\u2019s not always clear which account a particular ArcGIS StoryMaps item belongs to. Now, in Organization settings<\/strong>, administrators can toggle Facilitate organization sign-in <\/strong>on or off.<\/p>\n
When enabled, this setting adds a URL parameter to non-public items that redirects readers to your organization\u2019s sign-in page. This setting is especially useful if your organization uses SAML logins or if you work with people who have multiple ArcGIS accounts.<\/p>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"content","content":"
Find more information on organization settings in ArcGIS StoryMaps Documentation<\/a>.<\/p>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"content","content":"Create from ArcGIS content page updates<\/h2>\n
Previously, when you created ArcGIS StoryMaps content from the ArcGIS content page<\/strong>, you were taken directly into the story builder \u2014 bypassing other content types such as collections, briefings, frames, templates, and themes.<\/p>\n
Now, when you click Create App<\/strong>, then StoryMaps<\/strong>, you can Choose a starting point<\/strong> from all StoryMaps content types and be directed to the appropriate builder.<\/p>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"content","content":"
Curious about the different ArcGIS StoryMaps content types? Explore how the geospatial storytelling community is using them in the ArcGIS StoryMaps Gallery<\/a>.<\/p>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"content","content":"And more…<\/h2>\n
- \n
- Over 100 new icons have been added to the icon catalog for applicable features.<\/li>\n
- A docked toolbar now appears when editing text that provides options for formatting the text at the block level, including the ability to Delete<\/strong> paragraphs of text in one click. (The floating text toolbar that can be used to modify specific passages of text still appears when you have a chunk of text selected.)<\/li>\n
- The Esri UC26 theme has been added to Featured themes<\/strong>; the Presentation and Airport featured themes now have slide backgrounds when used in a briefing.<\/li>\n
- Build a story with us. Register for 2026 ArcGIS StoryMaps Live<\/a>, a chat series that walks through practical techniques for crafting geospatial stories that resonate.<\/li>\n
- How are you bold in the pursuit of better? Learn more about the 2026 ArcGIS StoryMaps Competition<\/a> opening on September 8, 2026.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- The Esri UC26 theme has been added to Featured themes<\/strong>; the Presentation and Airport featured themes now have slide backgrounds when used in a briefing.<\/li>\n
- Enhanced alternative text capability<\/a><\/li>\n